The Hockey Academy at Itchen Sixth Form College is a rapidly growing academy, going from strength to strength each year.

Players of all abilities can develop their skills through the high standard of training offered by our hockey coaches, who give you the foundation to build on your skills and fitness. The Academy also provides a gateway to excellent sporting opportunities.

The team compete in the Hampshire League cup with indoor sevens competitions throughout the year. The Academy also allows them to train twice a week with a Level 2 qualified hockey coach, with fixtures every Wednesday afternoon at clubs around the country. The team also has access to two on-site fitness suites and personalised fitness programmes.

Itchen experienced its first hockey success in 2008 and has since built upon this. Over the years, the team have won tournaments and consistently been in the top three colleges of the Hampshire League. The success of our Hockey Academy has been recognised by our students, as we have had players coming from club level, school hockey teams, and even England squads.

Our previous students have gone on to universities around the country to continue playing hockey and to develop their sports knowledge to degree level. Other players have also been selected to play for the British Colleges' team.

See us in action

Student success

Liam Eastwood

Liam was selected to play hockey for the British Colleges' team, as well as for Itchen's Hockey Academy, alongside his academic studies and before arriving at Itchen, Liam played with Southampton Hockey Club.

After achieving AAB in Sport & PE, Economics and Psychology, Liam is now studying Sports Technology at Loughborough University.

Tom Larcombe

Tom studied A Level Accounting and vocational Business (double award) along with the Hockey Academy, having previously already completed A Level Sport & PE. During his time at Itchen, Tom was selected to play for the British Colleges' team, having previously played for the Fareham Hockey Academy.

He is now studying Exercise and Fitness Management at the University of Portsmouth.

Key personnel

Shirley Eastwood - Hockey Coach

Shirley coaches the Hockey team and has been a keen supporter of the sport for a number of years. Through her coaching and support, she has seen players go onto play for British Schools and Colleges and represent England.